Nasal CPAP

Definition

CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure." CPAP pumps air under pressure into the airway, keeping the windpipe open during sleep. The forced air delivered by CPAP prevents episodes of airway collapse that block the breathing in persons with obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing problems.

It is sometimes called nasal continuous positive airflow pressure (nCPAP).

Alternative Names

Information

WHO SHOULD USE CPAP

CPAP can successfully treat most people with obstructive sleep apnea. It is safe and works well for people of all ages, including children. If you only have mild sleep apnea and do not feel very sleepy during the day, you may not need it.

After using CPAP regularly, you may notice:

Better concentration and memory

Feeling more alert and less sleepy during the day

Improved sleep for your bed partner

Being more productive at work

Less anxiety and depression and a better mood

Normal sleep patterns

Lower blood pressure (in people with high blood pressure)

CPAP works by keeping a steady pressure of forced air in your airway to keep it open. Other devices work in slightly different ways to treat sleep apnea:

The mask is connected by a hose to a small machine that sits at the side of your bed.

The machine pumps air under pressure through the hose and mask and into your airway while you sleep. This helps keep your airway open.

You may start to use CPAP while you are in the sleep center for the night.

Your health care provider will help choose the mask that fits you best.

They will adjust the settings on the machine while you are asleep.

The settings will be adjusted based on the severity of your sleep apnea.

If you are using CPAP but your symptoms don’t improve, the settings on the machine may need to be changed. Your health care provider may teach you how to adjust the CPAP at home. Or, you may need to go to the sleep center to have it adjusted.

GETTING USED TO THE DEVICE

It can take time to get used to using a CPAP device. The first few nights of CPAP therapy are often the hardest. You may not sleep well at the start of treatment.

If you are having problems, you may be tempted not to use CPAP for the whole night. However, you’ll get used to it more quickly if you use the machine for the entire night.

When using CPAP for the first time, you may have:

A feeling of being closed in (claustrophobia)

Chest muscle discomfort, which usually goes away after awhile

Eye irritation

Redness and sores over the bridge of your nose

Runny or stuffed-up nose

Sore or dry mouth

Nosebleeds

Upper respiratory infections

Many of these problems can be helped or prevented.

Ask your doctor or therapist about using a mask that is lightweight and cushioned. Some masks are used only around or inside the nostrils.

Make sure the mask fits correctly so that it doesn’t leak air. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Try nasal salt water sprays for a stuffed nose.

Use a humidifier to help with dry skin or nasal passages.

Keep your CPAP equipment clean.

Place your CPAP machine underneath your bed to limit noise.

Most machines are quiet, but if you notice sounds that make it hard to sleep, tell your doctor or therapist.

Your doctor or therapist can lower the pressure on the CPAP machine and then increase it again at a slow pace. Some new machines can automatically adjust to the pressure that is needed.